Just 14 months after Kim Godwin was put in charge at ABC News, she is now exiting the network. Earlier this year, Disney’s Dana Walden reorganized the division and made Deb OConnell President of News Groups and Networks, effectively putting her over Godwin as a manager.
OConnell was brought in after Godwin’s handling of an affair between “GMA3” hosts Tj Holmes and Amy Robach. She left them on air, and more and more stories about Holmes’ alleged affairs were reported on in other publications. This led to an internal investigation at ABC, which resulted in both hosts leaving the company.
However, the situation is regarded as one reason GMA’s ratings took a big dip.
But that doesn’t seem to be Godwin’s only issue. According to reports, it was implied that the ABC newsroom saw OConnell as their actual leader and was happy to have Godwin manage.
OConnell was brought in after Godwin’s handling of an affair between “GMA3” hosts Tj Holmes and Amy Robach. She left them on air, and more and more stories about Holmes’ alleged affairs were reported on in other publications. This led to an internal investigation at ABC, which resulted in both hosts leaving the company.
However, the situation is regarded as one reason GMA’s ratings took a big dip.
But that doesn’t seem to be Godwin’s only issue. According to reports, it was implied that the ABC newsroom saw OConnell as their actual leader and was happy to have Godwin manage.
- 5/6/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
ABC News president Kim Godwin is out at the network.
Debra OConnell, president, News Group and Networks at Disney Entertainment, and Godwin shared the news in internal memos sent to staff Sunday night.
Godwin told staff that after reflecting on her tenure, “I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism.”
“Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision,” Godwin continued. “But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family.”
In her memo, OConnell said that she would lead ABC News in the interim.
“For the time being, I will oversee ABC News and I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team as we forge a new path forward together,...
Debra OConnell, president, News Group and Networks at Disney Entertainment, and Godwin shared the news in internal memos sent to staff Sunday night.
Godwin told staff that after reflecting on her tenure, “I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism.”
“Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision,” Godwin continued. “But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family.”
In her memo, OConnell said that she would lead ABC News in the interim.
“For the time being, I will oversee ABC News and I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team as we forge a new path forward together,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated, with additional details: After weeks of speculation, Kim Godwin is leaving her post as president of ABC News.
Debra OConnell, who added ABC News to her portfolio in February, will run the department in the interim. She made the announcement internally, with Godwin also addressing her staff. You can read the memos below.
At the time of OConnell’s February promotion when ABC News was put under her purview, Disney countered speculation about Godwin’s future by revealing that she had extended her contract to continue as ABC News president. But she was now reporting to OConnell, adding an additional layer between her and Dana Walden, the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
The exit follows CNN reports last week about frustration among ABC News staffers about Godwin’s management style that had been reportedly articulated to OConnell in her review of the division and its leadership.
Godwin joined ABC News...
Debra OConnell, who added ABC News to her portfolio in February, will run the department in the interim. She made the announcement internally, with Godwin also addressing her staff. You can read the memos below.
At the time of OConnell’s February promotion when ABC News was put under her purview, Disney countered speculation about Godwin’s future by revealing that she had extended her contract to continue as ABC News president. But she was now reporting to OConnell, adding an additional layer between her and Dana Walden, the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
The exit follows CNN reports last week about frustration among ABC News staffers about Godwin’s management style that had been reportedly articulated to OConnell in her review of the division and its leadership.
Godwin joined ABC News...
- 5/6/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC News President Kim Godwin is departing the network, just three months after Debra OConnell was appointed to oversee ABC News operations and evaluate Goodwin’s performance.
Godwin stepped down on Sunday night, announcing her departure in an email to staffers which read, “I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism.”
“Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision,” Godwin continued. “But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family.”
“I leave with my head held high and wish the entire team continued success,” Godwin added in her memo to staff.
No successor has been named as Godwin’s replacement at this time. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news on Sunday.
Godwin stepped down on Sunday night, announcing her departure in an email to staffers which read, “I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism.”
“Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision,” Godwin continued. “But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family.”
“I leave with my head held high and wish the entire team continued success,” Godwin added in her memo to staff.
No successor has been named as Godwin’s replacement at this time. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news on Sunday.
- 5/6/2024
- by Natalie Korach
- The Wrap
Kim Godwin, the ABC News president who was the first Black woman to run a broadcast network news operation, is leaving the Disney unit amid increasing concern about the way she was managing the home of shows like “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight.”
Godwin told staffers in a memo Sunday that she planned to “retire from broadcast journalism.” Her command had come under increasing scrutiny since a restructuring of ABC News and Disney’s ABC stations had her reporting directly to Debra OConnell, a Disney business veteran who is seen as a valued operator at the company. OConnell will lead ABC News for the foreseeable future, she told employees Sunday evening.
A Disney spokesperson declined to make executives available for additional comment or to respond to a query about what changes Godwin’s exit might mean for the executive’s immediate direct reports or the management of individual ABC News programs.
Godwin told staffers in a memo Sunday that she planned to “retire from broadcast journalism.” Her command had come under increasing scrutiny since a restructuring of ABC News and Disney’s ABC stations had her reporting directly to Debra OConnell, a Disney business veteran who is seen as a valued operator at the company. OConnell will lead ABC News for the foreseeable future, she told employees Sunday evening.
A Disney spokesperson declined to make executives available for additional comment or to respond to a query about what changes Godwin’s exit might mean for the executive’s immediate direct reports or the management of individual ABC News programs.
- 5/6/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
This article contains spoilers for The Sympathizer through episode 3.
With the HBO original limited series The Sympathizer, adapting the award-winning 2015 novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen, audiences get four Robert Downey, Jrs. for the price of one. The Academy Award-winning actor, who also executive produces the series through his production company Team Downey, plays four distinctly different characters over the course of the story. By the series’ third episode, all four of Downey’s characters have not only been introduced, but begun interacting with each other on-screen as the story nears its halfway point.
With so many Downeys to get to know in The Sympathizer, here’s a quick primer explaining the background of each of Downey’s characters, what we know about them so far, and how each figure into the overall story and interact with its protagonist, a Vietnamese double agent known as simply as the Captain.
With the HBO original limited series The Sympathizer, adapting the award-winning 2015 novel of the same name by Viet Thanh Nguyen, audiences get four Robert Downey, Jrs. for the price of one. The Academy Award-winning actor, who also executive produces the series through his production company Team Downey, plays four distinctly different characters over the course of the story. By the series’ third episode, all four of Downey’s characters have not only been introduced, but begun interacting with each other on-screen as the story nears its halfway point.
With so many Downeys to get to know in The Sympathizer, here’s a quick primer explaining the background of each of Downey’s characters, what we know about them so far, and how each figure into the overall story and interact with its protagonist, a Vietnamese double agent known as simply as the Captain.
- 4/29/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Dr. Jennifer Ashton is leaving ABC News.
The GMA3 co-host and ABC chief medical correspondent will depart the network in June when her contract ends.
Ashton says she made the decision to leave so that she could build out her new women’s wellness company, Ajenda, which she will lead as founder and CEO. The company — which launched with a newsletter in March — is focused on addressing the challenges of menopause health and weight management.
“I kind of subscribe to the fact that when the universe sends you a message, you should listen to it,” Ashton tells The Hollywood Reporter in an interview. “I’ve been watching and participating in the steadily building upswell of interest of those two areas in our country and in our society and in our culture and media and in medicine and in science.
“Sometimes an important message needs the right messenger, and I feel...
The GMA3 co-host and ABC chief medical correspondent will depart the network in June when her contract ends.
Ashton says she made the decision to leave so that she could build out her new women’s wellness company, Ajenda, which she will lead as founder and CEO. The company — which launched with a newsletter in March — is focused on addressing the challenges of menopause health and weight management.
“I kind of subscribe to the fact that when the universe sends you a message, you should listen to it,” Ashton tells The Hollywood Reporter in an interview. “I’ve been watching and participating in the steadily building upswell of interest of those two areas in our country and in our society and in our culture and media and in medicine and in science.
“Sometimes an important message needs the right messenger, and I feel...
- 4/18/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stars: Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Vicki Pepperdine, Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael | Written by Tony McNamara | Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Ever since he made a splash with 2009’s Dogtooth, Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos has been considered an exciting voice in cinema, resulting in accolades and award nominations for his disturbing and absurdist works. That does not change for Poor Things, an adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel which sees Lanthimos and writer Tony McNamara on fire once more after their previous collaboration with 2018’s The Favourite.
After committing suicide, Bella (Emma Stone) is resurrected by the scarred and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) – who Bella refers to as God. Initially naïve, Bella’s eagerness to learn more about the outside world clashes with Godwin’s desire to keep her safe. Bella rebels by running away with slick lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), as their continent-spanning journey leads...
Ever since he made a splash with 2009’s Dogtooth, Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos has been considered an exciting voice in cinema, resulting in accolades and award nominations for his disturbing and absurdist works. That does not change for Poor Things, an adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel which sees Lanthimos and writer Tony McNamara on fire once more after their previous collaboration with 2018’s The Favourite.
After committing suicide, Bella (Emma Stone) is resurrected by the scarred and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) – who Bella refers to as God. Initially naïve, Bella’s eagerness to learn more about the outside world clashes with Godwin’s desire to keep her safe. Bella rebels by running away with slick lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), as their continent-spanning journey leads...
- 3/21/2024
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
Holy smokes, we've got a jam-packed Blu-ray round-up for you today! There are a lot of titles worth scoping out below, including Emma Stone in "Poor Things," the final Dceu movie "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," the new 4K release of James Cameron's "True Lies," "Aliens," and "The Abyss," the Criterion 4K release of Nicole Kidman in "To Die For," the new musical remake of "The Color Purple," the sexy rom-com "Anyone But You," the heartbreaking wrestling drama "The Iron Claw," a 4K box set for "The Ring" trilogy, and a Blu-ray release of the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's "The Shining."
So let's get to it, and remember: keep spinning those discs.
Read more: The 95 Best Horror Movies Ever
Poor Things
While I would've preferred to see Lily Gladstone take home the Best Actress Academy Award for "Killers of the Flower Moon," Emma Stone's Oscar-winning work in "Poor Things...
So let's get to it, and remember: keep spinning those discs.
Read more: The 95 Best Horror Movies Ever
Poor Things
While I would've preferred to see Lily Gladstone take home the Best Actress Academy Award for "Killers of the Flower Moon," Emma Stone's Oscar-winning work in "Poor Things...
- 3/21/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
CBS Studios and the BBC’s period drama series “King & Conqueror” has revealed additional cast members, including “The Crown’s” Luther Ford and “Game of Thrones” actor Joseph Mawle, as it begins production in Iceland.
According to its official plot description, “King & Conqueror” is “the story of a clash that defined the future of a country – and a continent – for a thousand years, the roots of which stretch back decades and extend out through a pair of interconnected family dynasties, struggling for power across two countries and a raging sea. Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066; two allies with no design on the British throne, who found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown.”
Additional cast members include Eddie Marsan, Juliet Stevenson, Jean-Marc Barr, Geoff Bell, Elliot Cowan,...
According to its official plot description, “King & Conqueror” is “the story of a clash that defined the future of a country – and a continent – for a thousand years, the roots of which stretch back decades and extend out through a pair of interconnected family dynasties, struggling for power across two countries and a raging sea. Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066; two allies with no design on the British throne, who found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown.”
Additional cast members include Eddie Marsan, Juliet Stevenson, Jean-Marc Barr, Geoff Bell, Elliot Cowan,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Ellise Shafer and K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Poor Things is the kind of film more people need to watch. The steampunk world portrayed in Poor Things looks like something out of a Wes Anderson movie. A perfect setting for Yargos Lanthimos’ poignant play of colors and the intricate ways in which they have so much to say about the characters and this cinematic world that Lanthimos has meticulously crafted. Out of the several themes and motifs, Poor Things serves as poetic justice for the wrongdoings of a patriarchal society in a much-needed cinematic rebellion.
The narrative humorously challenges societal norms and the oppressive structures that have haunted not only women but also other marginalized groups. To make things more interesting, these themes are explored through the eyes of Bella, a child in the body of a full-grown woman after she is created in a controlled ‘utopic’ environment that should necessarily satisfy all her curiosities, but what her...
The narrative humorously challenges societal norms and the oppressive structures that have haunted not only women but also other marginalized groups. To make things more interesting, these themes are explored through the eyes of Bella, a child in the body of a full-grown woman after she is created in a controlled ‘utopic’ environment that should necessarily satisfy all her curiosities, but what her...
- 3/12/2024
- by Shrey Ashley Philip
- Film Fugitives
The battle between creationism and science has been long-standing. Some believe God created humans, while others argue that humans created God—a theme explored by countless writers and philosophers. Yet, conclusions on this matter often rely solely on speculation. As someone with an aversion to creationism, I find myself contemplating that the creation of God might be part of an inevitable cycle. To delve deeper into this notion, it seems that in our fragile civilization, the tendency to create a god and immortalize it comes as a distraction from hopelessness and the fear of death.
I also believe that, originally, the fear of death was supposed to humble us. It was supposed to teach us humility and remind us that death spares no one. But then we created the idea of an afterlife, rebirth, and whatnot, nullifying the significance of death in the process. As we gradually realized our ability...
I also believe that, originally, the fear of death was supposed to humble us. It was supposed to teach us humility and remind us that death spares no one. But then we created the idea of an afterlife, rebirth, and whatnot, nullifying the significance of death in the process. As we gradually realized our ability...
- 3/12/2024
- by Shrey Ashley Philip
- Film Fugitives
The Bachelor is just as fascinating even when the cameras aren’t rolling. Through the years, plenty of Bachelor secrets have surfaced from past contestants about everything from travel logistics to the length of rose ceremonies. Bachelor Nation fans who have been tuning in to the ABC dating series season after season have started asking questions about what goes on when Joey Graziadei and more suitors are searching for love. In true reality show fashion, the behind-the-scenes details about The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are the definition of juicy. Read on to learn some inside scoop on the Bachelor franchise. The Bachelor Contestants Don’t Have Their Phones — Even on Long Flights The Bachelor Season 23 alum Hannah Godwin responded on TikTok to a fan asking what flights look like on The Bachelor. Godwin recalled that when her group traveled for their first international trip, they told other passengers that they were a “dance team.
- 3/7/2024
- TV Insider
There’s the characteristic Lanthimos-core peculiarity in the Emma Stone-starrer Poor Things, albeit not needlessly. But the director, maybe just for the sake of challenging his usual pessimism, turns the absurdities endearing with the constant existence of hope. Of course, transcendence from the glum limitations of being Frankensteinian is not handed on a platter to our recreated heroine, Bella Baxter. Granted, the theme of deviance, which is the very foundation of the film, is delivered through motifs that aren’t identical to the world we know. But the existential and social parallels that Poor Things inspires you to ponder over are enough to make the film intensely effective.
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In The Film?
It’s funny how, at the very beginning, Poor Things pulls a little prank on you by confusing you about who the Frankensteinian “monster” really is. Just a peek at Dr. Godwin Baxter’s face,...
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In The Film?
It’s funny how, at the very beginning, Poor Things pulls a little prank on you by confusing you about who the Frankensteinian “monster” really is. Just a peek at Dr. Godwin Baxter’s face,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Lopamudra Mukherjee
- Film Fugitives
Chicago – One of the great perks of entertainment reporting is the encounter with a movie pro earlier in the year who eventually gets nominated for an Oscar. Last year it was “The Daniels” (eventual Best Director winners) and this year it’s the odds-on favorite for Best Costume Designer, Holly Waddington of “Poor Things.”
British native Waddington – who appeared at the 2023 Chicago International Film Festival – describes her early journey in the Podtalk below, and in her career she has moved up the ladder in her chosen field with costume work on such films as “Happy Go Lucky,” “First Night,” “War Horse” and “Lincoln.” She was Costume Designer on “Lady Macbeth” and TV’s “The Great,” where she worked with Tony McNamara, the co-writer of “Poor Things.”
Costume Designer Holly Waddington Shows Off Her Style at Ciff
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
“Poor Things” begins with Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe...
British native Waddington – who appeared at the 2023 Chicago International Film Festival – describes her early journey in the Podtalk below, and in her career she has moved up the ladder in her chosen field with costume work on such films as “Happy Go Lucky,” “First Night,” “War Horse” and “Lincoln.” She was Costume Designer on “Lady Macbeth” and TV’s “The Great,” where she worked with Tony McNamara, the co-writer of “Poor Things.”
Costume Designer Holly Waddington Shows Off Her Style at Ciff
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
“Poor Things” begins with Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe...
- 3/6/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things,” spans five different major locations — London, Paris, a ship, Alexandria and Lisbon — which meant production designers James Price and Shona Heath had a considerable undertaking ahead of them when they signed on.
Creating Lisbon proved to be one of the biggest jobs for cinematographer Robbie Ryan and even Lanthimos. As Emma Stone’s Bella Baxter departs her black-and-white world of Victorian-era London and Godwin’s (Willem Dafoe’s) home, the movie transitions into a pastel-colored world — there’s a soundstage with a water tank for the scenic sea view, and a giant picturesque backdrop.
Used to filming with natural lighting and exterior shots, Lanthimos and Ryan had to adjust to what they call their most challenging task.
Here the two reflect on working together for the first time and how they collaborated on “Poor Things.”
How did you two first meet?
Yorgos Lanthimos: I think...
Creating Lisbon proved to be one of the biggest jobs for cinematographer Robbie Ryan and even Lanthimos. As Emma Stone’s Bella Baxter departs her black-and-white world of Victorian-era London and Godwin’s (Willem Dafoe’s) home, the movie transitions into a pastel-colored world — there’s a soundstage with a water tank for the scenic sea view, and a giant picturesque backdrop.
Used to filming with natural lighting and exterior shots, Lanthimos and Ryan had to adjust to what they call their most challenging task.
Here the two reflect on working together for the first time and how they collaborated on “Poor Things.”
How did you two first meet?
Yorgos Lanthimos: I think...
- 2/27/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Every year, I hope for one film that shows me something that I’ve never seen before. Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things might satisfy that request for the next several years. A deeply weird, beautifully constructed, and extremely horny steampunk fantasy, the auteur’s latest isn’t for everyone. But for those who get on its wavelength, it’s one of the greatest film experiences of 2023.
Emma Stone gives the performance of her career as Bella, a pregnant young woman who dies attempting suicide and is resurrected by Willem Dafoe’s mad scientist Godwin (just call him God), who puts the infant’s brain in her body as a science experiment. God and one of his med students (Ramy Youssef) study for research purposes, watching as her brain develops and Bella gains control over her body. But as Bella discovers sex, she becomes much more interesting to some of the men,...
Emma Stone gives the performance of her career as Bella, a pregnant young woman who dies attempting suicide and is resurrected by Willem Dafoe’s mad scientist Godwin (just call him God), who puts the infant’s brain in her body as a science experiment. God and one of his med students (Ramy Youssef) study for research purposes, watching as her brain develops and Bella gains control over her body. But as Bella discovers sex, she becomes much more interesting to some of the men,...
- 12/22/2023
- by Chris Williams
- CinemaNerdz
This year is turning out to be the year of the Vikings. Sure, Robert Eggers' "The Northman" and all its naked fight splendor came out in 2022, but this is the year when "Vinland Saga" finally returns to follow up its complex tale of revenge with a quieter and meditative second season set at a farm, and Netflix also gave us the second season of "Vikings: Valhalla," and all its sexy historical drama and bloody battles.
"Vikings: Valhalla" is, of course, the follow-up to the "Vikings" show that first aired on the History channel a decade ago and became very successful — despite the creator worrying "Vikings" wouldn't make it past season 1. It tells the story of the end of the Viking era, focusing on a variety of characters from different countries and walks of life, as they face the Nordic invasion of England and the rise of Christianity in the Viking world.
"Vikings: Valhalla" is, of course, the follow-up to the "Vikings" show that first aired on the History channel a decade ago and became very successful — despite the creator worrying "Vikings" wouldn't make it past season 1. It tells the story of the end of the Viking era, focusing on a variety of characters from different countries and walks of life, as they face the Nordic invasion of England and the rise of Christianity in the Viking world.
- 2/17/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
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